WEST VIRGINIA CODE

WVC 17 A- 3 - 12
§17A-3-12. Commissioner to issue certificate of title; signatures
on certificate; certificate of title to be delivered to owner or lienor.
(a) The commissioner, if satisfied that the applicant for a
certificate of title is the owner of such vehicle, or otherwise
entitled to have the same registered in the applicant's name, shall
issue an appropriate certificate of title in either an electronic
or paper format. The certificate of title in an electronic format
shall contain all of the information required by this section.

(b) The certificate of title shall contain upon the face
thereof the date issued, the name and address of the owner, the
description of the vehicle as determined by the commissioner, and
a statement of the owner's title and of all liens and encumbrances
upon the vehicle therein described and whether possession is held
by the owner under a lease, contract of conditional sale or other
like agreement, and shall bear thereon the seal of the division.

(c) The certificate of title shall contain upon the reverse
side a space for the signature of the owner and the owner shall
write his or her name with pen and ink in the space upon receipt
of the certificate. The certificate shall also contain upon the
reverse side forms for assignment of title or interest and warranty
thereof by the owner with space for notation of liens and
encumbrances upon the vehicle at the time of a transfer.

(d) The commissioner, upon issuing a certificate of title,
shall deliver same in either an electronic or paper format to the person who holds legal title to the vehicle described on the face
of said certificate: Provided, That when a certificate of title is
issued showing upon the face thereof a lien or encumbrance of liens
or encumbrances, the certificate of title shall be delivered to the
lienholder in either an electronic or paper format in order of
priority. It shall be unlawful and constitute a misdemeanor for a
lienor who holds a certificate of title, as hereinabove in this
section provided, to refuse or fail to surrender the certificate of
title to the person legally entitled thereto within ten days after
the lien or encumbrance or liens or encumbrances shown on the face
thereof shall have been paid and satisfied.

Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2016 Regular Session
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